Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Richard Omaya Atuya and Joyce Muthoni Njeru achieved a Kenyan double by winning the men's and women's races respectively at the Transvulcania Uphill, the fourth stage of the WMRA Mountain Running World Cup in La Palma. The event featured a 7.3-kilometre route with 1200 metres of vertical ascent, among the steepest terrains worldwide.
The course began with sharp zig-zag climbs overlooking the sea, winding through green areas before transitioning to rocky, relentless ascents past key points like the El Time Viewpoint and the Hungarian House. It used a time trial format, with athletes starting at one-minute intervals, heightening competition intensity.
In the men's race, Atuya set a course record with a time of 45:01, surpassing previous top times set by contenders including Tyler McCandless and Ephantus Mwangi Njeri. Philemon Ombogo Kiriago finished second in 47:33, with Anthony Felber and Martin Nilsson claiming third and fourth places.
In the women's race, Joyce Muthoni Njeru, who also won in Changping, set a record time of 55:02, overtaking early leader Kirsty Skye Dickson and Kenya's Ruth Mwihaki Gitonga. Philaries Jeruto Kisang, also from Kenya, did not finish.
La Palma is known for tough race conditions including steep climbs, rocky terrain, and variable weather. The event is part of the WMRA World Cup series, with a 25-kilometre race scheduled on the island two days later.